Customer Manager, ICT-research and technology commercialization

We are now looking for a

Customer Manager

to join us in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) and the Innovation Center of the University of Oulu for a fixed-term employment relationship until the end of 2028.

The ITEE faculty belongs to the leading ICT research communities and in 2024 was ranked among the top 200 in the world in all its main fields (Academic Ranking of World Universities). Our mission is to build a sustainable future and companies' competitiveness through science and technology. We cooperate with industry, which has led to many inventions and products.

The Innovation Center is responsible for the commercialization of research results and the coordination of business and stakeholder cooperation and develops customer manager activities at the university.

The faculty's research areas

The faculty's research covers the key ICT technologies of digital society, such as microelectronics, software technologies, artificial intelligence, cyber security and data communication. We are pioneers in the wireless technologies of the future, and we lead the internationally known 6G flagship project. Together with our partners, we develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency and reliability in industry and critical functions of society. Research areas also include Metaverse, generative artificial intelligence, SoC technology, robotics, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, next-generation industrial systems and wireless Edge AI.

About the job

In your role, you create and maintain relationships with key partner companies, especially in the ICT sector and in the automotive, health, energy, defence and manufacturing sectors. You represent the research of the ITEE faculty and inspire companies to utilize new technologies and innovations. You identify cooperation opportunities and prepare them as projects that transfer cutting-edge research to companies and promote economic growth and competitiveness.

Your tasks also include marketing the continuous learning education possibilities organized by the faculty to companies and developing the education business based on it. You coordinate education's work-life cooperation, such as internship and thesis work opportunities as well as lectures offered by companies.

You will work together with the faculty staff, other customer managers, and the other stakeholders of the Innovation Center and the University.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain partnerships with companies.
• Links the faculty's research and training expertise to the needs of companies.
• Coordinate and prepare selected research and training projects.
• Enhances the operating model of business cooperation.
• Develops presentation material and marketing for business cooperation.
• Participate in industry-related events.
• Monitor and report the results and measurable effects of business cooperation.

What we offer:

Opportunity for networking with representatives of different industries.

• An opportunity to get to know the top projects of the TST faculty and the latest trends and technologies in the field.
• Development and career opportunities offered by a large organization.
• Sports, cultural and well-being benefits (ePassi) and flexible multi-location and remote work opportunities. Read more about our other employment benefits.
• Balance between work and free time: we do not count Saturdays as vacation periods.
• Meaningful work! More information about working at the University of Oulu.

We expect from you

• A suitable higher education degree
• Good command of Finnish and English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks
• A sales spirit and an entrepreneurial attitude and a goal-oriented approach to work
• Extensive business contact network and experience in business cooperation
• Evidence of technology commercialization and productization
• Experience in acquiring research funding is considered an advantage

Salary

The position is temporary from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028. The exact start time of the task is negotiable.

The salary will be based on levels 10-11 of the demand level chart for other expert and support staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The requirement level and performance percentage are determined based on previous applicable work experience and competence. A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

If you are interested, please send an application through the Varbi recruitment system no later than December 8, 2024. Please include the following:

• Motivation letter
• CV

Applicants best suited to the position will be invited to an interview remotely or face-to-face. We will be in contact with all applicants during the application process.

More information

Jukka Riekki, Dean, ITEE, jukka.riekki@oul.fi, 040 5512122
Jouko Uusitalo, Director, Innovation Center, jouko.uusitalo@oulu.fi, 050 476 9717